Jammu, June 24
After having failed to check power pilferage, the Power Development Department (PDD) is now planning to carry out nighttime raids in residential colonies of the city to identify electricity pilferers.

There is a huge pressure from the government on the department to improve its functioning. Directions have been issued to take strict action against consumers involved in pilferage.

Last year, the authorities had started a similar drive on a trial basis, but had to face the wrath of the people in many localities.

Faced with the menace of illegal connections, the department has again decided to go ahead with nighttime inspections and issuance of on-the-spot penalty.

Power losses due to ineffectiveness of reforms have become a major headache for the state government, which, at times, has invited reprimand from the Centre.

“This is yet another experiment by the department, but its outcome depends on the sincerity of the officials involved, as all measures taken in this direction so far have failed to produce optimum results,” said an official.

Since 2004, when the state government started a project to streamline the power sector in the state, the PDD had been taking steps to curb power losses and increase revenue collection, but had so far failed to achieve any major breakthrough.

Nearly six lakh e-meters have been installed in the state since the power reforms were initiated, after intense pressure from the Central government and Northern Grid, but most of these were damaged by people during the Amarnath agitation.

Unscheduled power cuts continues to create problems in the city, as the PDD has still not completed the error rectification process of its two major high-tension lines.

Frequent power cuts have made the life of residents miserable in Jammu. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, June 24
While the state government claims that it has supplied additional electricity to the Jammu province, power crisis in the region has deepened as heat wave-hit areas continued to witness long and unscheduled power outages, leaving consumers fuming.

Resentment against the ruling National Conference-led coalition has also reached its zenith with civil society accusing the government of being least bothered towards the untold and unprecedented miseries of the people here due to frequent power cuts coupled with shortage of drinking water.

BJP state chief spokesperson Jitendra Singh said: “The Chief Minister is always defensive about the possible reaction of the PDP and separatists and he has given the impression that he is vulnerable to blackmail by stone-throwers. Instead of complimenting the people of the Jammu region for maintaining peace and equanimity, he is provoking the people to follow the stone-throwers.”

He has always demonstrated a “knack of quoting proverb of English in his tweets but he ought to know that charity begins at home”.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state chief Tulsi Dass Langeh said: “Kashmir-based leaderships had been discriminating Jammu and Ladakh regions in every sector since long. Power crisis was part of it and the prevailing situation in the Jammu region was created by the state government itself to siphon off more funds from the Centre.”

He said the people of Jammu had been subjected to grave hardships in scorching heat despite the fact that they contributed more than double to the annual power bills.

“The people had been paying the price of a fault which they never committed,” he said, adding that, “It is ironical that the state had been witnessing power crisis at a time when it supplies electricity to other states.”

An official spokesperson of the PDD said despite the shortage of power by 152MW due to low generation locally, the department had supplied additional 38 lakh units to the Jammu region. “Energy consumption in the Jammu region between June 9 and June 15 has been 952.71 lakh units as against 914.30 lakh units during the corresponding period last year,” the spokesperson added.

Anil Sharma, a grocery shop owner, said: “The department should explain as to why the fully metered areas have been subjected to long and unscheduled power cuts. Earlier, the Chief Minister used to give an excuse of illegal connections for power crisis, but the people had been facing the worst power crisis in Jammu after 100 per cent metering in their areas.”

He said PDD officials were hand in glove with power thieves as the non-metered areas were getting more power than the metered areas.

In order to combat the situation arisen due to low frequency and to maintain the gird discipline, the PDD was forced to resort to rotational curtailment as and when distress call is received from northern grid. The curtailment had been worked out in three groups - A, B and C.

In group A, districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban part of Kathua district, Chenani, Ramnagar and areas of Udhampur districts will be affected due to Rajouri, Draba, Chandak, Kalakote, Doda, Khellani, Kathua, Hiranagar, Udhampur, Batote stations.

The group B includes parts of Jammu district, parts of Kathua district and Samba district, which will be affected due to Akhnoor, Barn, Bishnah, Miranshib, Bari-Brahmana-I, Sidhra, Mahanpur, Gangyal, Samba, Bari-Brahmana-II stations.

In group C, some parts of Jammu district will be affected due to Gladni, Canal, Janipur stations.

Jammu, June 24
After drawing severe criticism from the civil society for suggesting the idea of paying market price for electricity, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has again drawn the ire of the people by giving a new remedy to stop power theft in the state.

He has asked people to report instances of power theft either to the Chief Engineer or the Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD) through email.

Responding to a question on where to report about power pilferers, Omar, who has around 1.5 lakh followers on micro-blogging networking site Twitter, wrote: “The PDD Chief Engineer or the PDD Principal Secretary would be a good start. Both are on email.”

The Chief Minister has drawn flak from various quarters for his latest suggestion, since the idea was “impractical” and “not viable”.

Reacting sharply to the Chief Minister’s tweet, BJP state chief spokesperson Jitendra Singh said: “Most people who are deprived of power either don’t have access to the Internet or unlike the Chief Minister they are not fortunate enough to own an electricity generator to run their computer. He (Omar) should also take a review of whether senior government officials are accessible to the common man or not.”

“The Chief Minister’s statement is illogical. He is cut off from the masses and has gone on the backfoot. He has no policy and is resorting to escapism rather than exploring possible measures to deal with the deteriorating situation,” said Mahesh Koul, president of Sangarsh, an organisation of students and scholars at Jammu University.

A government teacher mocked at the Chief Minister’s statement saying: “If an ordinary man notices power theft, he will have to first search a cyber cafe to send an email to the PDD Chief Engineer or Principal Secretary. What’s the guarantee that the officials will take action on the complaint? And what if that person is illiterate? Power theft will go unchecked, as he will be unable to use the Internet.”

The Chief Minister has been under severe criticism from various quarters for the failure of the state government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the people.

On June 20, Omar, while facing angry tweets for unscheduled power cuts in the entire state, had tweeted: “Power in Jammu and Kashmir is the second cheapest in the country after Sikkim. How about all of you, complaining about load-shedding, start paying market price.”

“I have been quite transparent about the power situation in the state. The 70 per cent loss and theft situation is unsustainable, so load-shedding happens,” the Chief Minister had said.

Jammu, June 24
“It is quite challenging for a woman to be successful, not because she is not capable of achieving things but because of the burden of responsibilities that she carries,” says Zahida Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, while interacting with The Tribune.

Zahida, originally from Banihal district of Jammu division, has done her studies both from Jammu and Kashmir. After completing postgraduation in English and doing BEd and MEd, she cleared the KAS examination in 1984. She was first appointed as an undersecretary in the Higher Education Department.

Zahida’s inspiration is her father, Mohammad Ayub Khan, who fought his first election after 1947 and remained in the Cabinet for most part of his political life.

Zahida had worked in various departments like revenue, health, industries, handicrafts and school education before assuming the charge of Deputy Commissioner in 2010.

“Being an administrator was never a dream but the motivation was to do things with dedication and perfection. After completing my master’s degree from Jammu University, I appeared in the KAS examination and succeeded. I am happy to be an administrator, as it enables me to serve the people of my state, which gives me great joy,” she adds.

Being a mother of three children is quite gratifying. Home is as important as job and both need to be delicately balanced, she quips.

“It was a bit difficult initially to manage both personal and professional lives but the support of my family helped me through. My children are doing well and one of my daughters is a doctor. It is important to treat boys and girls equally as both are integral part of the society,” she says.

On the education system in the state, she asserts: “The state has over 70 per cent literacy rate. But our departments need accountability, which is still lacking. If we succeed in making the employees accountable, the system can work more efficiently.”

“We should never underestimate a woman. Someone who can manage a home well can handle any challenge,” she adds.

Rajouri, June 24
A large number of aged patients who had come to attend a medical camp at a Kalakote hospital had to return home untreated, owing to casual approach and mismanagement by the organisers of the camp.

The multi-speciality medical camp was organised by Dr Reddy’s Lab, in association with the Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed at Kalakote in Rajouri district.

A large number of patients drawn from far-flung areas of the district had queued up at the camp since morning to avail the facility, but most had to go unattended owing to chaos witnessed both inside and outside the hospital.

The Army, which had organised the camp, failed to handle the situation, resulting in inconvenience to a large number of patients.

A heart patient, who had come from Barodi village along with a group of 50 others, said: “It’s 11 am and there is still no sign of a doctor. It is surprising to see such gross mismanagement on part of the Army.”

In a press release, the Army claimed that over 1,000 patients were treated and 300 were given specialised treatment.

Specialised treatment facilities are not available in the remote Kalakote tehsil, forcing patients to visit Jammu by undertaking a 120-km treacherous journey.

PK Mohanty from Dr Reddy’s Lab said: “A team of five doctors conducted the one-day free medical camp for people who could not otherwise avail the benefits of specialised medical services in the far-flung areas.” He expressed his gratitude to the Army for the initiative.

Six wheelchairs were donated by the laboratory to needy persons.

Tests to detect diabetes were conducted on 500 patients.

Jammu, June 24
The NRHM Employees Association, J&K, has urged the government to revise the salary structure of the contractual staff working under the national flagship scheme, National Rural Health Mission, in the state.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Dr Ritesh Kotwal said NRHM staff had been catering to the needs of rural population in the health care sector and an increase in the pay structure would surely improve the services.

He said: “The NRHM scheme has been launched to augment the rural health care by providing doctors, paramedics and funds for other infrastructure development. The scheme has been proving significant in reducing the burden from the tertiary and secondary health care institutions.” He also urged the government to initiate measures for the regularisation of NRHM staff.

“We will request the government to consider NRHM staff for permanent absorption on the pattern of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, which is also a Centrally sponsored scheme,” he added.

Others who were present on the occasion included Dr Ashok Kumar, Dr Rajkamal and Dr Raman.

Bhaderwah, June 24
The four-day-long Bhaderwah festival was inaugurated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad along with Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora here today.

Over 350 students and youngsters from Bhaderwah and adjoining areas presented cultural items depicting the culture and ethos of all regions and sub-regions of the state.

Local students presented the national anthem in the presence of hundreds of people. While cultural items of different parts of the state were displayed during the three-hours programme, the traditional dances of the Seraj belt, Paddar, Doda, Bhalesa and Kishtwar areas of erstwhile Doda district dominated the show.

A cultural item, Jash-e-Bhaderwah, was prepared by local students to welcome tourists from different parts of the country. They spread the message of communal harmony and brotherhood through this presentation. A troupe from Jammu also presented Dogri songs.

Besides cultural items, various government agencies, including departments of social welfare, rural development, agriculture and horticulture, had set up stalls to educate people about various schemes being implemented by the government.

People visited the stalls of the Social Welfare and Rural Development Department to get information about various welfare and poverty alleviation schemes.

The Department of Tourism had also set up stalls to provide ethnic Bhaderwahi food to the tourists.

Hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country thronged the festival. They enjoyed the cultural items presented during inauguration of the festival.

Jammu, June 24
Minister for Industries and Commerce Surjit Singh Slathia, who is also the chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti of Community Health Centre (CHC), Ramgarh, chaired a meeting of the governing body of the samiti to review its functioning.

Chief medical officer (CMO), Samba, Sunil Kehla, block medical officer ADS Manhas, engineers of the PWD, PHE, PDD and other officers of various departments attended the meeting.

Besides deliberating the regular agenda of the governing body of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti CHC, Ramgarh, PHC Gurha Slathia, Nandpur, Government Emergency Hospital, Vijaypur, new proposals are put forth before the governing body for deliberations and approval during the meeting.

The samiti took several decisions for the welfare of patients and improvement of infrastructure of hospitals.

For the comfort of patients, attendants and other visitors, the samiti approved the purchase of ceiling fans, ACs, emergency drugs, laboratory ingredients, water coolers, benches for different sections of the hospitals, transformers, water filters, provision of power backup, OPD chairs, etc.

The meeting was informed that various works were executed at EH Hospital, Vijaypur, including the repair of sanitation/toilets, repair of windows of the old hospital complex, besides ventilation of rooms in the new complex and installation of voltage stabiliser for theatre.

Many other general issues, including the installation of ACs in the hospitals, replacement of old inverter batteries, benches for patients, were also discussed.

During the meeting, the minister directed the CMO to ensure round-the-clock punctuality at Government PHC Gurha Slathia and warned that in case of any negligence, stern action would be initiated against erring doctors and staff.

He also appealed the people of the area to avail health care facilities and help in creating good atmosphere in these hospitals.

Jammu, June 24
A free medical camp was organised at Urban Health Centre, Ward No 53, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, today.

Prominent city-based specialists and super-specialists examined the patients and gave free consultation on the occasion.

Nitish Mahajan, senior Youth Congress leader, and BS Mastana, retired DC, were among the organisers.

Rajeshwar Singh, SP South, Jammu, and Satish Sharma, Youth Congress Lok Sabha president, inaugurated the camp.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhwana Koul said the objective of arranging medical camp and workshop was to educate public on various diseases and their prevention and control.

She advised the public to adopt the habit of routine walk and exercise for maintaining good health.

Dr Vijay Gupta said unhygienic diets and physical inactivity were key risk factors for the major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Jammu, June 24
Natrang today presented a political satire “Chote Bade”, written by Mani Madhukar under the direction of Balwant Thakur in its Sunday Theatre series.

Thakur adapted the play in contemporary situations to make it more relevant to the present times.

The play depicts the story of two unemployed dejected youth, their aspirations, pain and frustrations. Rejected by the system, both are confronting with a mental turmoil in switching to illegal ways of survival.

Living in a fool’s paradise at one time they find more comfort but gradually they realised their folly.

The whole lawlessness, sense of insecurity, crime, scams, loot and the deteriorating quality of life is attributed to the failure of democratic institutions in the country.

The playwright has tried to expose the system in which there is no alternative left with the youth today to channelise their creative abilities in an environment where mediocrity is promoted at the cost of excellence.

The characters in the play find that corrupt politicians and people in power have eaten up the vitals of society and the talented aspiring youth of the day are left to be either a part of the corrupt system or to frustrate and suffer.

Mohammad Yaseen played the role of “Chote” and Rohit Verma did the role of “Bade”.

Rahul Singh designed the lights of the play. Atin Tikka did the presentations.

Jammu, June 24
Ajay Sadhotra, NC leader and Member Legislative Council, has urged the people to take optimum benefits of the Public Services Guarantee Act and the Right to Information Act, saying that these Acts are the biggest achievement of the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government. He was addressing public meetings at Khearian and Smailpur in the Marh block.

He said the Chief Minister had implemented the said Acts to redress the grievances of the commoners.

“‘Aam Admi’ should come forward to get benefits of the Public Services Guarantee Act and the Right to Information Act. The Public Services Guarantee Act ensures that ration card, PRC, SC/ST certificates, revenue report, police report, income certificate, water connection, electricity connection, driving licence, etc, are issued within the specific time. If the department fails in meeting the deadline, the officer concerned is penalised,” he said.

He asked the people to come forward and avail the opportunity given by the Omar-led government. The NC leader said the RTI ensured information from any department.

“Omar Abdullah is committed to giving solace to “Aam Aadmi” by his good governance,” he said.

Myriad of BJP workers joined the National Conference on the occasion. Prominent among the new entrants were Suresh Kumar, Kamal Kumar, Bitu Ram, Niraj Kumar, Mohinder Pal, Mohan Lal, Ashwani Kumar, Yash Pal, Jeet Raj, Ashok Kumar, Raj Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Sharma, Satinder Singh, Sunny, Summit Dhar, Chetan Sharma, Vipan Sharma, Shambu, Shakti, Raju, Ravi.

Sadhotra welcomed the new entrants and hoped that it would strengthen the NC.

Meanwhile, people of Smailpur demanded one transformer and a link road from the main road to the last village, which was sanctioned by Sadhotra.

Residents of Khearian demanded road from Khearian to Poni Chak, drains in the Scheduled Caste Basti and powerhouse to Khanpur.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Ashok Sharma, Subash Sharma, Sarwan Lal, Darshan Lal, Gurnam Singh, Raghbir Singh, Amrik Singh, Keemat Lal, sarpanch, Deewan Singh, sarpanch, Piar Singh, sarpanch, Bhushan Sharma, sarpanch, Ghasita Ram, Om Parkash, Jagdish Singh, numberdar, Jagdish, numberdar, Ram Lal, Ravinder Kumar, Bharat Singh, Balwan Singh, naib sarpanch, Pana Ram, Johar Singh, Vikram Singh, Gourav Sharma and Shallu Sharma.